The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade has a long history of banning LGBT people from freely expressing themselves. This morning, the Boston Globe reported that Parade organizers had issued an invitation for MassEquality to march in the Parade. MassEquality has not yet had any direct discussion with Parade organizers and learned about this invitation through the Boston Globe.Any reports that a deal has been reached are incorrect.

The fact that Parade organizers are willing to have a conversation with MassEquality is an important part of ongoing public dialogue about LGBT people and the Parade. But at this point, it’s still just a conversation. MassEquality has not accepted any invitation to march, and will only consider accepting an invitation that allows LGBT people to march openly.

We have heard from LGBT people who are Irish, who are veterans, and many others who would like to march in the Parade and to be able to express all of who they are. LGBT people should not have to silence who they are to celebrate other parts of their identities.

Ultimately, MassEquality is marching toward justice and we are committed to full equality and inclusion for everyone in our LGBT communities. We welcome a direct conversation with the Parade organizers about making the St. Patrick’s Day Parade truly welcoming to LGBT people.

###MassEquality is the leading statewide grassroots advocacy organization working to ensure that everyone across Massachusetts can thrive from cradle to grave without discrimination and oppression based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.